Memoir pits reality against the American Dream

Casey Gerald's personal story may exemplify the American Dream, but he’s no fan of that narrative.

Yes, he did make it to Yale and Harvard after growing up in a less-than-privileged background. Others have done that, too.

But Gerald also understands how incredibly rare this achievement is and what kind of pressure this places on the few who escape poverty.

Instead of chasing this illusion, he told Lulu Garcia-Navarro on Weekend Edition, people should be encouraged to pursue a fulfilling life, one that allows them to apply their skills to improving the world around them.

Gerald has written a memoir that addresses these themes titled There Will Be No Miracles Here.

You can listen to him talk about the book below or read a transcript of the conversation on NPR’s website.